Silicon Nanocrystals and Silicon-Polymer Hybrids: Synthesis, Surface Engineering, and Applications

Silicon nanocrystals (Si-NCs) are emerging as an attractive class of quantum dots owing to the natural abundance of silicon in the Earth’s crust, their low toxicity compared to many Group II–VI and III–V based quantum dots, compatibility with the existing semiconductor industry infrastructure, and their unique optoelectronic properties. Despite these favorable qualities, Si-NCs have not received the same attention as Group II–VI and III–V quantum dots, because of their lower emission quantum yields, difficulties associated with synthesizing monodisperse particles, and oxidative instability. Recent advancements indicate the surface chemistry of Si-NCs plays a key role in determining many of their properties. This Review summarizes new reports related to engineering Si-NC surfaces, synthesis of Si-NC/polymer hybrids, and their applications in sensing, diodes, catalysis, and batteries.